Sheep Farmers Kept Defenseless Against Rogue Killer Parrot
Released on: October 6, 2008, 10:14 pm
Press Release Author: lynthomas
Industry: Agriculture
Press Release Summary: Rogue killer parrot keeps high-country sheep farmers defensive, as they are unable to do anything about it in New Zealand.
Press Release Body: New Zealand is known globally for its breath taking scenery and safety in the bush. A place where you can wander happily, without the fear of some dangerous species lurking in the shadows. Now however, there's a deadly killer lurking in the shadow of the majestic Southern Alps.
Ross Ivey, the owner of a 20,000 ha high-country sheep station, next to the Mt Cook national park, keeps a sharp look out as he rides across his property. A rogue Killer Parrot is on the loose. One that has a preference for live food. Recently Ross found one of his sheep dead from blood poisoning. The rogue kea had picked through the skin of the sheep and eaten a kidney.
Only one of the few alpine parrots in the world, the kea was granted protection in 1986, as only 1000 – 5000 still live in the high-country Alps, of the South Island of New Zealand. "Kea attacks have long been a part of high-country life for the farmers", said Federated Farmers high country spokesman, Donald Aubrey.
Keas have often been described as 'cheeky', being extremely mischievous and inquisitive by nature. Tests showed the birds are capable of solving simple puzzles, such as pulling or moving objects, so as to get to food. They have been seen to work as a team, in order to arrive at a common objective.
Keas have frequently been seen to pick the rubber seal from around windshields of parked cars. They are believed to be the most intelligent of the bird species.
Farmers can no longer protect their flocks of sheep, by shooting rogue keas. Understanding this, the Killer Parrot squawks in loud raucous delight. It now has its own private pantry. Acres and acres of wonderful live-meals-on-the-hoof.
Some have made the suggestion that the solution to the feathered dilemma, is to seize the Killer Parrot and reposition it. Ross says, "With the intelligence of the Killer Parrot and the ruggedness of the terrain, it is more than likely the kea will find its way back to its living stock of food, no matter how far away it is moved".
Ross and the other high-country farmers are doomed to having to live with the problem. They and must keep a watchful eye on their flocks until such time as the problem can be solved without endangering the species.
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